By UB's Joyce Marter, LCPC

UB believes all couples can benefit from relationship counseling. Counseling can reduce relationship stress, conflict and negative interactions – as well as increases overall relationship strength, level of intimacy, and happiness.

All couples, regardless of sexual orientation, have relationship issues. UB welcomes gay and lesbian couples for counseling, and has therapists who specialize in LGBT relationship issues. UB counselors are mindful and aware of the unique challenges for same sexed couples. UB is proud that our therapists are open and familiar with gay culture, as well as sensitive to the unique issues that may affect aspects of the relationship, such as:

• Dealing with each other’s families (issues around acceptance and support.)

• Managing boundary issues (in terms of being out or not socially or professionally.)

• Dealing with commitment issues (understanding that opportunities and expectations are different than for hetero couples.)

• Making decisions about having children or not, and how to start process.

It is a common misconception that if you are considering couples therapy it means your relationship has serious problems, or is failing. All relationships have issues and conflict. UB therapists have professionals who can help you manage them in a way that improves your quality of life. UB recommends couples counseling not only when experiencing relationship distress or a specific issue, but also seeking therapy preventatively at times of transition (i.e. moving in together, making a commitment, or starting a family.)

Some couples decide to participate in couples counseling even if they have decided to split, especially when children are involved and they need to develop ways to communicate and co-parent effectively. Many couples seek therapy for:

• communication problems

• conflict resolution problems

• issues related to finances

• trust/boundary matters

• commitment questions

• sexual/intimacy concerns

• parenting

• division of labor

• relationship stress due to various life issues (health, career, finances)

These are common issues that many relationships deal with from time to time, which can be worked through in therapy.

Some couples may need to start with individual therapy prior to doing couples work. Some people may participate in individual and couples therapy simultaneously. Urban Balance therapists are experts in assessing whether individual therapy, couples work or a combination would be most beneficial for you and your partner. While therapy is confidential, clients may choose to give consent for their individual and couples therapists at UB to collaborate to ensure that everyone is working together effectively and efficiently.  

Therapy is a safe and confidential place to get support, insight, guidance, information, tools, resources, and skills to improve your relationship for years to come. UB therapists are trained and seasoned experts in facilitating relationship healing and growth, with special awareness and familiarity in working with same sexed couples.  

Many couples participate in therapy for a period of time until they resolve their presenting issues and check in with their UB therapist as needed for ongoing relationship support. Therapy can be a positive experience to learn about your partner and nurture your relationship.  

If you or your partner is unsure if couples therapy is right for you, consider committing to 1-3 sessions to try it out. The benefits can certainly outweigh the costs of time and money invested.